Significant Difference In Vitamin Research Articles

Vitamin Status in Patients with Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The published data on the vitamin status of patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) is contradictory; therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the vitamin status of PKU patients. A comprehensive search of multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, Cochrane, and Scopus) was finished in March 2024. The included studies compared vitamin levels between individuals diagnosed with early-treated PKU and healthy controls while excluding pregnant and lactating women, untreated PKU or hyperphenylalaninemia cases, control groups receiving vitamin supplementation, PKU patients receiving tetrahydrobiopterin or pegvaliase, and conference abstracts. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The effect sizes were expressed as standardised mean differences. The calculation of effect sizes with 95% CI using fixed-effects models and random-effects models was performed. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024519589). Out of the initially identified 11,086 articles, 24 met the criteria. The total number of participants comprised 770 individuals with PKU and 2387 healthy controls. The meta-analyses of cross-sectional and case–control studies were conducted for vitamin B12, D, A, E, B6 and folate levels. PKU patients demonstrated significantly higher folate levels (random-effects model, SMD: 1.378, 95% CI: 0.436, 2.320, p = 0.004) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations (random-effects model, SMD: 2.059, 95% CI: 0.250, 3.868, p = 0.026) compared to the controls. There were no significant differences in vitamin A, E, B6, B12 or 25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. The main limitations of the evidence include a limited number of studies and their heterogeneity and variability in patients’ compliance. Our findings suggest that individuals with PKU under nutritional guidance can achieve a vitamin status comparable to that of healthy subjects. Our study provides valuable insights into the nutritional status of PKU patients, but further research is required to confirm these findings and explore additional factors influencing vitamin status in PKU.

Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Preoperative Bariatric Patients in a New Zealand Tertiary Centre.

A potential complication of bariatric surgery is development of nutritional deficiencies. Study aims were to assess prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in preoperative bariatric patients and to examine for ethnic differences. Retrospective analysis of 573 patients that underwent bariatric surgery at Counties Manukau District Health Board was carried out. Mean preoperative levels of albumin, calcium, phosphate, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, ferritin, iron, and transferrin were calculated. Chi square, fisher exact test, and multiple logistic regression was used to assess for differences in prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across ethnicities. The most common micronutrient deficiency was vitamin D (30.85%). There were statistically significant differences invitamin D deficiency across ethnicities(p < 0.0001). Asians hadthe highest prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (60%), followed by Pacifica (44.57%), and Māori (31.68%). Asians were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to NZ/Other Europeans (OR = 14.93, p < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher BMI (OR = 1.05, p = 0.008). The second most common deficiency was iron (21.1%). Asians had the highest prevalence of iron deficiency (44%), followed by Māori (27.95%), and Pacifica (19.57%) (p = 0.0064). Compared to NZ/Other Europeans, Asians (OR = 4.26) and Māori (OR = 1.78) were more likely to be iron deficient (p = 0.004). Female gender was associated with iron deficiency(OR = 2.12, p = 0.007). Vitamin D and iron are the most common micronutrient deficiencies among preoperative bariatric patients in this cohort and ethnic differences were seen. There may be a role for preoperative supplementation in these at-risk ethnic groups.

VITAMIN A CONTENT AND HEDONIC TEST OF MODIFIED MODISCO SLURP PUDDING WITH VARIOUS CARROT EXTRACT ADDITIONS

Backgorund : A Modisco is a form of PMT-P as a treatment for malnutrition and severe malnutrition. To increase the acceptance and function of nutritional sources, Modisco is done by modifying its shape and composition to become Modisco slurp pudding with the addition of carrot juice.&#x0D; Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze the content of Vitamin A and the results of the favorite test of the modisco suction pudding with the addition of carrot juice variations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%.&#x0D; Method : This study used an experimental research method in the form of a Posttest Only Control Group Design design. The design of this study used two groups, namely the treated group, namely the modisco suction pudding with the addition of various carrot extracts and the untreated group, the modisco suction pudding without the addition of carrot juice.&#x0D; Results : The results of the statistical test of Vitamin A levels using One-Way ANOVA showed a significance value of 0.0001 (&lt;0.05) or there was a significant difference in Vitamin A levels in the modisco suction pudding with variations in the addition of carrot juice.&#x0D; Conclusion : The statistical results of the preference test show that only the aroma and taste are significantly different, while the color and texture are not significant. Sample X0 has a preferred aroma and taste compared to X1, X2, and X3. Based on the Vitamin A content test and the Preferred Test X1, the value of Vitamin A content was closest to the nutritional requirement of toddlers for Vitamin A and was the most preferred treatment group.&#x0D;  

Assessment of Vitamin D Level and Its Relation to Glycemic Control Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Khartoum State

Background: Type II diabetes is a chronic hyperglycemic disorder. Vitamin D appears to be associated with chronic disease prevention and modulation of immunity. This study was designed to associate vitamin D levels with glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus in Khartoum state.&#x0D; Methods: This was a prospective case-control study conducted between June and November 2021 in Khartoum, Sudan. In total, 80 individuals were included in the study, of which 40 had type 2 diabetes mellitus, while the other 40 were normal, apparently healthy individuals. Vitamin D was measured by ELISA.&#x0D; Results: SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Results showed that 20% of the case group (patients with diabetes mellitus) had suboptimal vitamin D levels, whereas 80% had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D levels were significantly decreased among the case group when compared to the control group (P-value = 0.00). The glycated hemoglobin was negatively correlated with vitamin D level (P-value = 0.017, R = –0.376).&#x0D; Conclusion: In this study, a significant decrease in vitamin D was seen among people with type 2 DM. There was a weak negative correlation between hemoglobin A1C and vitamin D levels, and no significant difference in Vitamin D levels among gender and different types of treatment.

Association of altered serum glucose and lipid profiles with headaches in young women: clinical, cross-sectional study

IntroductionHeadaches, including migraines and tension headaches, affect millions of people globally. Migraines are the most common neurological disorder, with around 14.4% of the world's population affected. It is suggested that dysregulation of biochemical markers and individual metabolic differences may contribute to headaches.ObjectiveWe evaluated the frequency of headaches or migraines with changes in lipid, glucose and vitamin D serum levels in young women.MethodsClinical, cross-sectional study with 139 young women, aged at least 18 years, based on the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). The individuals were divided into two groups: one without headache and another with headache. Anthropometric analyzes (BMI, WC, BP and DBP) and blood samples were collected for analysis of vitamin D, glycemia and lipid profile.ResultsMean age was 22 (±4.6) years. We observed associations between headache and the following factors: high glucose levels (97 mg/dL, p=0.028), total cholesterol (180.4 mg/dL, p=0.002), HDL (44.2 mg/dL, p=0.017), and LDL (121.6 mg/dL, p=0.005). Longer duration of headache attacks was associated with increased levels of glucose (97.9 mg/dL, p=0.028), total cholesterol (186.8 mg/dL, p=0.05), diastolic blood pressure (74 mmHg, p=0.038), and BMI (24.6 kg/m2, p=0.024). High glucose levels were found to be directly related to the presence of migraine, particularly those with aura (105 mg/dL, p=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in vitamin D levels (p=0.640). ConclusionElevated levels of blood glucose and total plasma cholesterol and its fractions seems to be associated can increase with bouts of headache attacks, especially migraine, prolonging the duration of pain.

Vitamin D Levels and Diabetes Mellitus: A Study on Age, Sex, and Body Mass Index

Objective: The correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and vitamin D levels has garnered considerable attention in contemporary medical investigations. Vitamin D, an essential fat-soluble micronutrient, significantly influences bone health, immune system functionality, and various other physiological functions. The bioavailability of vitamin D may be affected by adiposity, which might result in possible deficits in persons with elevated body mass indices. The objective of this retrospective study conducted at a single center was to examine the potential relationship between BMI and diabetes mellitus (DM) with vitamin D serum levels in a cohort of 680 individuals, comprising 511 females and 169 males. Methods: The present study utilized a methodology in which medical records from a single facility were comprehensively reviewed to collect relevant information on BMI and blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. The participants were classified into four distinct groups based on their BMI categories, which included normal weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese. Statistical methods were employed to investigate the relationship between BMI, diabetes mellitus (DM), age, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis was conducted to account for potential confounding variables such as age and gender. Results: The study included a sample of 680 individuals, comprising 511 women (75.1%) with an average age of 41 (±12) and 169 men (24.9%) with an average age of 38 (±13). Vitamin D levels in women were found to be 14±7 ng/mL, while in men, the levels measured at 16.6±7 ng/mL. The study identified a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels between women and men (p&lt;0.001). The study's findings indicate that there was no significant correlation between vitamin D levels and age among all individuals (p=0.258). However, a significant albeit weak correlation was observed between vitamin D levels and BMI (p=0.002, R2=0.0141). The vitamin D levels of the obese group were measured to be 14±7 ng/mL, while the non-obese group had levels of 16±7 ng/mL. Statistical analysis revealed that vitamin D levels in the obese group were significantly lower compared to the non-obese group (p=0.012). When comparing vitamin D levels between individuals with and without diabetes mellitus (DM), it was observed that the mean vitamin D level was 13.8±6.3 ng/mL in the non-DM group and 16.6±7.6 ng/mL in the DM group. Statistical analysis revealed that vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the DM group (p=0.012). Conclusion: Our study's findings suggest a potential connection between low vitamin D levels and obesity, while factors such as diabetes, age, and gender do not seem to significantly impact this association.

Circulating Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: a Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating vitamin D levels and systemic sclerosis and to establish an association between vitamin D deficiency and systemic sclerosis. Methods We performed a meta-analysis comparing the plasma/serum vitamin D levels and vitamin D deficiency between patients with systemic sclerosis and healthy controls and examined correlation coefficients between circulating vitamin D levels and the Rodnan score. Results Twenty-one studies involving 1,399 patients with systemic sclerosis and 1,311 controls were included. The systemic sclerosis group had significantly lower vitamin D levels than the control group. Stratification by ethnicity demonstrated significantly decreased vitamin D levels in patients with systemic sclerosis among European, Asian, Arab, Latin American, and mixed populations. Stratification by age, sex, and/or body mass index revealed significantly lower vitamin D levels in the systemic sclerosis group regardless of the adjustment. Subgroup analysis by sample size revealed significantly lower vitamin D levels in the systemic sclerosis group by small (n&lt;100) and large sample numbers (n&gt;100). Stratification by publication year revealed significantly lower vitamin D levels in the systemic sclerosis group in both recent and old publication years. However, no significant difference in vitamin D levels was observed between diffuse and limited types of systemic sclerosis. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with systemic sclerosis. The meta-analysis of correlation coefficients revealed a tendency of inverse correlation between circulating vitamin D levels and the Rodnan score. Conclusions Patients with systemic sclerosis had lower circulating vitamin D levels and higher vitamin D deficiency and there was a tendency of inverse correlation between circulating vitamin D levels and the Rodnan score.

Association of serum vitamin D concentration with the final course of hospitalization in patients with COVID-19.

Vitamin D deficiency is a substantial public health problem. The present study evaluated the association between vitamin D concentration and hospitalization and mortality risk in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). This study used the COronavirus in LOwer Silesia (COLOS) dataset collected between February 2020 and June 2021. The medical records of 474 patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and whose vitamin D concentration was measured, were analyzed. We determined a significant difference in vitamin D concentration between discharged patients and those who died during hospitalization (p = 0.0096). We also found an effect of vitamin D concentration on the risk of death in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. As vitamin D concentration increased, the odds ratio (OR) for death slightly decreased (OR = 0.978; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.540-0.669). The vitamin D concentration cutoff point was 15.40 ng/ml. In addition, patients with COVID-19 and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations < 30 ng/ml had a lower survival rate than those with serum 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/ml (log-rank test p = 0.0018). Moreover, a Cox regression model showed that patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and higher vitamin D concentrations had a 2.8% reduced risk of mortality (hazard ratio HR = 0.972; CI = 0.95-0,99; p = 0.0097). The results indicate an association between 25(OH)D levels in patients with COVID-19 and the final course of hospitalization and risk of death.

Relation of Vitamin D levels with positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia - A hospital based cross-sectional comparative study.

The association between altered serum Vitamin D levels and schizophrenia has been an area that has evoked a recent fervor. The neurohumoral and neuro immunomodulatory functions of Vitamin D might have a role to play in understanding the causation of the disease and thus appear promising in the diagnostic and therapeutic frontiers of the disease. We aimed to estimate and compare serum Vitamin D levels in drug-free cases of schizophrenia and in healthy control groups. The comparison was also made among the subgroups of positive and negative schizophrenia. The study, a hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in the Department of Psychiatry, in a hospital in Assam over a period of 1 year. Fifty drug-free subjects of schizophrenia (Group A) diagnosed and confirmed according to International Classification of Diseases 10 were selected by consecutive sampling and 50 age and sex frequency-matched subjects (Group B) were selected from the healthy population. The cases (Group A) were divided into positive and negative groups (Group A1 and A2) based on the composite scoring of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. After approval from the institutional ethics committee and obtaining written informed consent, Vitamin D levels were assessed in both groups of cases and controls and comparison was made. After statistical analysis, it was seen that males were more in proportion and mostly in the age group of 20-39 years. The median Vitamin D level among the cases was 12.45 ng/mL and that among controls was 20.03 ng/mL which was statistically significant (P value .00932). Among the positive and negative schizophrenia subgroup, there was no statistically significant difference in Vitamin D levels at means of 16.54 ng/mL and 16.25 ng/Ml, respectively. The variation in Vitamin D levels in schizophrenics and the healthy population is thus discernible. It can be said that serum Vitamin D levels were significantly low in people with schizophrenia compared to the general population. Furthermore, it is seen that mean Vitamin D status is similar in both the groups of positive and negative schizophrenia negating the possibility of alteration of Vitamin D levels depending on the differences in symptomatology or in pathophysiology of the two groups.

Erkek kayakçılarda mevsimsel döngülere göre d vitamini, kortizol ve testosteron değerlerinin incelenmesi

Objective: Ski may be a branch which has the most important representation power of all winter sports. It has further been characterized by a high popularity and population which is divided into sub-branches among itself. One sometimes encounters different performance and physiological indicators in the athletes depending on seasonal cycles, training levels and living conditions during the year. The object of this study is to study vitamin D, cortisol and testosterone values in male skiers by seasonal cycles. Material and Methods: Fourteen male skiers between 12 and 18 years of age participated in the study. Participants were studied in two groups by their age ranges. The Group 1 included 7 males whose age average was 13.0±0.8 years, height average was 153.2±8.0 cm and body weight average were 45.7±2.7 kg. The Group 2 included 7 males whose age average was 16.8±1.3 years, height average was 166.0±4.0 cm and body weight average were 64.2±6.6 kg. We determined the age, height and body mass data of the participants by standard methods. We performed a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) in order to determine the anaerobic power level. We took blood samples from the antecubital vein in a seated position. We performed all tests at an altitude of 2.000 meters once in January, April, June and November each. Results: We found a significant difference in the cortisol, WBC, HCT, PP and MP parameters in the intra-group comparison results in the Group 1. And there was a significant difference in vitamin D, PP, AP and PD parameters in the Group 2. In the inter-group comparison results, we found a significant difference only in the testosterone hormone. Conclusions: We thought that the study results supported the literature to a great extent.

Vitamin D Level Among Patients with Different Thyroid Diseases

To investigate the differences in vitamin D levels in patients with different types of thyroid disease and to investigate the factors influencing vitamin D levels in patients with thyroid disease, this study collected clinical data from 1603 patients with thyroid disease attending the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province and conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. The clinical data of 1603 patients with thyroid diseases including Graves' disease (GD), subacute thyroiditis (SAT), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and hypothyroidism (HP) were collected from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of yunnan First People's Hospital. Gender, age, BMI, blood lipids, thyroid hormones, thyroid autoantibodies, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D) levels were measured. Results: (1) The level of 25(OH)D in patients with different thyroid diseases was from high to low, in the following order: GD group (29.54±7.54 ng/ml), SAT group (28.01±7.14 ng/ml), AITD group (26.97±6.58 ng/ml), HP group (25.88±6.75 ng/ml), the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The 25(OH)D level in GD group was significantly higher than that in other groups (P<0.05), while the 25(OH)D level in HP group was significantly lower than that in SAT group (P<0.05). (2) The changing trend of thyroid hormone levels (T3, FT3 and FT4) was consistent with that of 25(OH)D (P <0.005). (3) 25(OH)D was established as the dependent variable with multiple linear regression equation, Y = 3.80 gender + 0.058FT3-0.036 age + 28.122(female as control group). Conclusions: There were significant differences in vitamin D levels among patients with thyroid diseases, with the highest vitamin D level in GD patients and the lowest vitamin D level in HP patients. The higher the thyroid hormone level, the higher the 25(OH)D, which may be related to the strength of the immune response or the effect of thyroid hormone on vitamin D synthase. Male and high levels of FT3 were associated with increased 25(OH)D levels in thyroid patients.

Serum levels of vitamin D in preterm neonates and its association with respiratory distress syndrome

Objectives: Prematurity and related respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the major cause of mortality among neonates in India. Although some studies were showing an association between vitamin D and lung maturation, conclusive evidence was not found yet. The objective of this study was to assess the serum vitamin D in preterm neonates and to determine its possible association with RDS. Material and Methods: A case–control study in which the preterm neonates &lt;37 weeks of age and &lt;2 kg birth weight admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and in postnatal wards in a tertiary care center were included and divided as cases-those with RDS and controls-those without RDS. Two milliliters of whole blood samples were collected from the study population for 25 (OH) D levels. Results: (1) RDS was predominantly seen in &lt;32 weeks (&lt;30 and 30–31 weeks) when compared with the other two gestational age groups. (2) The mean serum vitamin D levels in cases (RDS) were lower compared to controls (non-RDS) (6.97 ± 3.24 in cases vs. 17.08 ± 4.15 in controls). (3) A significant difference in vitamin D levels was obtained among those on a mechanical ventilator and received surfactant administration compared to those who were not on a mechanical ventilator or administered surfactant (P = 0.001 and 0.003). (4) A significant association between vitamin D and adequacy of maternal vitamin D-rich food intake and sunlight exposure was found to be present (P &lt; 0.001 and 0.018). (5). Serum levels of vitamin D were found to be lower (3.3 ± 1.6 ng/mL) in cases who died during the hospital stay compared to those who survived (8.4 ± 2.6 ng/mL), (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: A significant difference in vitamin D concentration between preterms with respiratory distress syndrome and those without RDS was reflected in our study. And we also noted low serum vitamin D levels associated with poor outcome.

Assessment of vitamin D levels in children who admitted to pediatric outpatient clinics by age, gender and seasons in Şırnak province, Turkey

Background and objective: This study purposes to designate the profile of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] by evaluating the vitamin D levels of patients attending the pediatric outpatient clinics at the State Hospital in Şırnak, the second city in Turkey in terms of fertility. Methods: In the study, 4753 patients hospitalized at Şırnak State Hospital were enrolled, and their vitamin D levels were retrospectively examined. Throughout the research, vitamin D concentrations were assessed based on the patients’ gender, age, and seasonal variations. Serum vitamin D levels were categorized as severe deficiency at &lt;12 ng/ml, mild-moderate deficiency at 12–20 ng/ml, and normal at 20–100 ng/ml. Results: The study analyzed the data of 2107 males and 2646 females. For boys and girls, the median serum vitamin D levels were 18.23 ng/ml and 22.42 ng/ml respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in vitamin D levels between different age groups in both genders (p&lt;0.01). Vitamin D levels were at their lowest in winter and highest in summer for both genders, and statistically significant variations were observed across the seasons (p&lt;0.01). The median vitamin D level was found to be 25.59 ng/ml in patients aged 0–5 years (n=2,272), 18.16 ng/ml in patients aged 6–12 years (n=1,580), and 13.40 ng/ml in patients aged 13–17 years (n=901). Conclusions: In this study, patients hospitalized at the Şırnak state hospital had severe vitamin D shortages and insufficiency. Vitamin D low levels are believed to be attributed to vitamin D synthesis’s lack due to inadequate wintertime sunshine, a lack of outside activities for kids in the area, or vitamin D-deficient foods. As a result of these findings, there is an increased need for supportive therapy.

Frequency of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in a Population with a very High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency, Obesity, Diabetes and Hypertension.

Although vitamin D levels and underlying vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic polymorphisms have been linked to many common diseases including obesity, the association remains unclear. There is also co-existence of pathologically high proportions of obesity and vitamin D deficiency conditions in our UAE society. We therefore aimed to determine the genotypes and allele percentage frequency distribution of four polymorphisms-FokI, BsmI, ApaI and TaqI-in the VDR gene in healthy Emirati individuals and their association with vitamin D levels and chronic conditions including diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity. 277 participants who were part of a randomized controlled trial had their assessment that included clinical and anthropometric data. Whole blood samples were taken for measurements of vitamin D [25(OH) D], four vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism SNPs, including BsmI, FokI, TaqI and ApaI, metabolic and inflammatory markers and related biochemical variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the influence of vitamin D receptor gene SNPs on vitamin D status after adjusting for clinical parameters known to influence vitamin D status in the study population. Overall, 277 participants with a mean (±SD) age of 41 ± 12, 204 (74%) of them being female, were included in the study. There were statistically significant differences in vitamin D concentrations between different genotypes of the four VDR gene polymorphisms (p < 0.05). There were, however, no statistically significant differences in vitamin D concentrations between subjects with and those without the four VDR gene polymorphisms genotype and alleles except for AA and AG and allele G in Apal SNP (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant independent associations between vitamin D status and the four VDR gene polymorphisms after adjusting for dietary intake, physical activity, sun exposure, smoking and body mass index. In addition, no significant differences were found in the frequency of the genotypes and alleles of the four VDR genes among patients with obesity, diabetes and hypertension compared to those without these medical conditions. Although we found statistically significant differences in vitamin concentrations between different genotypes of the four VDR gene polymorphisms, multivariate analysis revealed no association after adjusting for clinical parameters known to influence vitamin D status. Furthermore, no association was found between obesity and related pathologies and the four VDR gene polymorphisms.

Prognostic role of plasma vitamin D and its association with disease characteristics in germ cell tumours.

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy among young men. Vitamin D has pluripotent effects on cancer pathogenesis and plays a role in the metastatic cascade. The aim of this study is to analyze plasma vitamin D in association with clinico-pathological findings and prognosis in patients with germ-cell tumors (GCTs). This study included 120 newly diagnosed and/or relapsed GCT patients treated from April 2013 to July 2020, for whom plasma was available in the biobank. Blood samples were drawn the 1st chemotherapy cycle as well as before the 2nd cycle. Plasma vitamin D was measured using ELISA and correlated with disease characteristics and the outcome. For survival analysis, the cohort was dichotomized into "low" and "high" based on median vitamin D. There was no significant difference in vitamin D plasma levels between healthy donors and GCT patients (p = 0.71). Vitamin D level was not associated with disease characteristics except for brain metastases, where patients with brain metastases had a vitamin D level that was 32% lower compared to patients without brain metastases, p = 0.03. Vitamin D was also associated with response to chemotherapy, with an approximately 32% lower value in patients with an unfavorable response compared to a favorable response, p = 0.02. Moreover, low plasma levels of vitamin D were significantly associated with disease recurrence and inferior progression-free survival (PFS), but not with overall survival (OS) (HR = 3.02, 95% CI 1.36-6.71, p = 0.01 for PFS and HR = 2.06, 95% CI 0.84-5.06, p = 0.14 for OS, respectively). Our study suggests the prognostic value of pretreatment vitamin D concentrations in GCT patients. Low plasma vitamin D was associated with an unfavorable response to therapy and disease recurrence. However, it remains to be determined whether the biology of the disease confirms a causative role for low vitamin D and whether its supplementation affects the outcome.

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Physical Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent Rehabilitation Following Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND Ischemic stroke is the most common cause of disability in adults. Deficiency of vitamin D in patients with cardiovascular diseases is increasing. Only a few studies have assessed the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and functional capacity and degree of disability. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and physical outcomes of 94 patients who underwent physical rehabilitation following ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS A group of 94 patients was enrolled; however, 80 patients (61.8±6.9 years) were included. They underwent a 6-week rehabilitation using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF, 60 min daily), mirror therapy (MT, 30 min daily), and occupational therapy (OT, 45 min daily). The Barthel Index (BI) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were used for functional assessments. Laboratory blood tests for serum vitamin D and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels were conducted. RESULTS There was a significant increase in BI scores (median difference=2.0 points [pts]; P<0.001) and IGF levels (median difference=124.6 ng/ml; P<0.001) after rehabilitation. There was a significant decrease in mRS scores (median difference=7.0 pts; P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in vitamin D levels (P=0.40). The effect of age (B=-0.01, P=0.04) and serum vitamin D level (B=-0.02, P=0.01) on the BI score was demonstrated. The effect of body mass index (BMI) results (B=-0.07, P=0.02) on the mRS score was observed. CONCLUSIONS Lower serum vitamin D levels and more advanced age may be associated with worse functional outcomes in first-ever ischemic stroke patients.

Extraction and determination of vitamins from pectin obtained from four different citrus fruit peels

Pectin is a polysaccharide with wider applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and several of other industries. The extraction and determination of vitamins from pectin obtained from citrus fruit peels were studied. The pectin from citrus peels was extracted using ethanol. It was observed that pectin from orange peels gave the highest yield (28.31±2.85%) followed by red grape (14.72±1.83%), lime (12.10±0.97%), and the least in lime (10.15±0.61%).The level of vitamin A (mg/g) was high in pectin from red grape (1483.637±10.420) followed by orange peels (1156.301±8.840), lime peels (475.099±5.510), and the least in white grape (283.228±3.770). There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the level of vitamin A content in all the extracted pectin. The vitamin B2 (mg/g) content was highest in white grape (0.183±0.050) followed by orange (0.150±0.040), red grape (0.110±0.030), and the least value in lime (0.083±0.020) respectively. There was no significant difference (p≤0.05) in the level of vitamin B2 pectin samples. The vitamin B12 (mg/g) content was highest in white grape (3.300±1.130) followed by lime (2.931±1.100), orange (1.900±0.930), and the least value with Red grape (0.888±0.870). There was no significant difference in the level of vitamin B12 between pectin from lime and white grape. The increasing order of vitamin C (mg/g) content in the extracted pectins was as follows: white grape (11.706±1.150) &lt;orange (16.940±2.100) &lt; lime (17.404±2.130) &lt;red grape pectin (17.678±2.150). There was no significant difference in vitamin C content of extracted pectin for lime, red grape, and orange peels. The level of vitamin E (mg/g) content was highest in orange (0.233±0.480) followed by white grape (0.179±0.710), lime (0.141±0.860), and the least red grape (0.080±0.630). The vitamin E content from pectin had no significant difference (p≤0.05) in lime and white grape peels. The vitamin K (mg/g) content was highest in orange peel (0.042±0.070) followed by lime (0.035±0.050), white grape peel (0.016±0.030), and the least red grape (0.006±0.010). There was no significant difference (p≤0.05) in orange and lime in vitamin K.

Correlation Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) with Mortality of COVID-19 Patients at H Adam Malik General Hospital Medan

Background: Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID 19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Vitamin D deficiency shows 6 times more risk of being infected with severe degree of COVID 19 and 15 times more risk of dying. An increase in the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly related to the severity of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio with mortality of COVID 19 patients at H Adam Malik General Hospital Medan. Method: This was an observational study with cross-sectional design with retrospective data collection from medical record sources. This research was conducted from January 1 to November 31 2022 at H Adam Malik General Hospital in Medan. The sample for this study were all COVID 19 patients from January 1 until November 31 2022 at H Adam Malik General Hospital Medan who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Serum vitamin D levels, neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, mortality and comorbidities were recorded and data analysis was carried out. Results: The number of samples that met the inclusion criteria in this study were 125 people, the group that died was 60 people while the group that alive was 65 people. There was a significant difference in vitamin D levels between living and deceased COVID 19 sufferers (p&lt;0.001) and there was a significant difference in NLR between living and deceased COVID 19 sufferers (p=0.046). Conclusion: There is an association between serum vitamin D levels and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio with the mortality of COVID 19 patients at H Adam Malik General Hospital Medan. Keywords: COVID-19, vitamin D, NLR, comorbids

Can plasma vitamin C predict survival in stage IV colorectal cancer patients? Results of a prospective cohort study.

In light of the inconclusive evidence on the association between vitamin C status and colorectal cancer (CRC) outcome, this study assessed the prognostic value of vitamin C in participants with metastatic CRC (mCRC). Adults with mCRC and cancer-free controls were recruited in this prospective cohort study to allow for comparison of vitamin C levels with healthy individuals from the same population. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical variables, BRAF and KRAS mutations, as well as Vitamin C plasma level and food intake were evaluated. Predictors of diminished vitamin C level were assessed via multivariate logistic regression. Mortality and progression free survival (PFS) among mCRC participants were analyzed based on plasma vitamin C level. The cancer group (n = 46) was older (mean age: 60 ± 14 vs. 42 ± 9.6, p = 0.047) and included more males (29% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) than the cancer-free group (n = 45). There was a non-significant difference in the vitamin C intake between the two groups; however, the mean plasma vitamin C level was lower in the cancer group (3.5 ± 3.7 vs. 9.2 ± 5.6 mg/l, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age and gender, the cancer group was more likely to be deficient compared to the cancer-free group [Adjusted Odds Ratio (95%CI): 5.4 (2.1-14)]. There was a non-significant trend for higher mortality in the vitamin C deficient cancer group (31% vs. 12%, p = 0.139). PFS did not differ based on vitamin C deficiency and patients with BRAF and KRAS mutations did not have significant differences in vitamin C levels. mCRC patients have lower plasma vitamin C levels than healthy controls. The trend toward higher mortality in the vitamin C deficient cancer group was not statistically significant. Whether this phenomenon affects survival and response to treatment warrants further exploration in phase III clinical trials.

ANÁLISIS DESCRIPTIVO A PARTIR DEL RÓTULO NUTRICIONAL: CALCIO Y FACILITADORES DE SU ABSORCIÓN EN BEBIDAS VEGETALES PROCESADAS

Introduction: Calcium is the most abundant and important mineral in the body. Dietary factors that increase calcium absorption are: vitamin D, lactose, lipids, amino acids, and citrates. In view of the scant studies on the components that facilitate calcium absorption in processed vegetable beverages made from legumes, cereals, coconut, and nuts, our intention was to determine the amount and type of calcium and of the components that facilitate its absorption in these beverages. Materials and methods: A quantitative and descriptive study was conducted from a sample of 49 vegetable drinks present in the three supermarket chains in Montevideo. The variables studied: amount and type of calcium added, and amount and type of facilitators (proteins, lipids, vitamin C and D), as declared in the nutritional labels and lists of ingredients, respectively. Mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation were calculated to analyze the data, Student test, ANOVA, ANOVA Post Hoc, and Pearson correlation. Results: 31% of the processed vegetable beverages studied had calcium added (average value: 120 mg). Added calcium carbonate predominates in the sample. Facilitating components are present in all the vegetable beverages in the sample, with soy drinks presenting all four facilitators. A significant difference in vitamin D content was observed in vegetable beverages with and without calcium addition. There is a positive correlation for lipid content and vitamin D. The contribution of calcium and vitamin D of the BV with added calcium in one portion (200ml) represents 26% and 20% of the recommended daily intake respectively. Conclusions: Knowing the mineral content and the absorption facilitators in the nutritional composition of processed vegetable drinks is relevant when recommending this type of food. Keywords: vegetable beverages; calcium; minerals in vegetable beverages; food labeling; nutritional composition of vegetable beverages.